In Memoriam Archive for the Year 2006 In Memoriam 2006 Users of this website are the best source we have for learning about the passing of emeriti faculty or staff. Your information, whether complete or not, can often be our only source. When you wish to inform us about the passing of emeriti faculty or staff, or you wish to write a memorial statement, click HERE. If you seek information about the passing of emeriti in past years, search the archives of the In Memoriam page and the Silver Bulletin Newsletter located in the yellow field on the left.
Nationally and locally known as a leader in the field of art education and in the field of welded metal sculpture, Donald Herberholz died at home after a long battle with cancer. Don taught at CSU Sacramento for 35 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus from his position as Art Department Chair. The textbooks that he co-authored with his wife, Barbara, are used in colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. His most recent book, ARTWORKS FOR ELEMENTRY TEACHERS, 9th Edition, is published by McGraw Hill and has been in print longer than any textbook of its kind in America – 38 years. Other books included DEVELOING ARTISTIC AND PERCEPTUAL AWARENESS and A CHILD’S PURSUIT OF ART. Herberholz and his wife were awarded a plaque “For their Artful Spirits A Herberholz welded metal sculpture - free-standing, fountains, wall pieces and smaller works – are popular additions to many private collections and public locations from the Carmichael Library, the Crocker Art Museum, a steeple for the Church of Christ, wall pieces for several other churches, and Beale Air Force Base. He won top prizes in the Nut Tree Scarecrow Contests for three years as well as in numerous art exhibits in the Northern Calif. Area. A trademark for Herberholz sculptures has been his metal owls, usually displaying a whimsical and humorous touch. He produced a series of films for the commercial market: Exploring Relief Prints, Exploring Puppet Making, and Sculpturing Copper with a Torch, which was the recipient of several national awards. Don Herberholz was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1923. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1946 and received his Master’s degree from the University of New Mexico in 1954 after engaging in graduate studies at Penn State University. He taught at all grade levels in several schools in Michigan, Colorado, and New Mexico and finally at Bloomsburg State College before beginning his career at CSUS in 1956. He and his wife have traveled to Europe and Mexico several times as well as enjoying Elderhostels both in the States and in France. Don is survived by his wife, Barbara, and three children: Amy Scherschligt, Eric Herberholz, and Heidi Grasty, and eight grandchildren: Emily, Donald, and Joe Scherschligt; Daniel, Alec, and Lea Herberholz; and Megan and Mallory Grasty. His two surviving sisters, Louise Sielski and Virginia Collins reside in Michigan. Don's Celebration of Life memorial service will be held Jan 10, Wed., at 2 pm at Christ Unity Church, 9249 Folsom Blvd.
Ken Norberg died, at 97 years old, peacefully and full of years. Ken was an enduring asset to the Sacramento State faculty. His familiarity with the work of America's most important educator and philosopher, John Dewey, was profound. It provided a broad philosophical framework for much of our discussion together on Wednesdays at Eskaton. Our concerns at the Wednesday sessions were mainly social and political, and sometimes educational. These were also the focal points of Dewey's ideas. To every one of his contributions to our discussions, Ken John Dewey offered a unique concept of what an idea is. Like "private" property, an idea simply exists, before anyone takes possession of it (in Dewey's language, "ideas do not spring into our heads full-blown, like Pallas Athene"). To "possess" the idea means not simply to put it away, as one might put gold in a bank vault. Rather, having an idea means using the idea (otherwise it's just a piece of dead information), and this entails understanding the consequences of the action to which the idea leads. I think Ken Norberg understood all this, and that's why I think he exemplified what Dewey, the moral and social philosopher, was all about. Ken made Dewey's ideas his own, not by way of imitation or simply from respect. Because these ideas were Ken's ideas, and because he shared these ideas with us, they became our ideas. So we we've all been the beneficiaries of Ken's thinking. It will seem strange and it will be very sad to come to the Wednesday meetings and not see Ken in his usual place at the head of our table, sitting straight up and bright-eyed in his wheelchair, looking like he was ready to leap out of it and pounce on our discussion when the dialogue became meandering (well, it did, once in a while). I'm sure that his contributions, and his readiness to contribute, helped to keep our ideas moving in fruitful ways. His passing is a great loss. Sincere dedication to the work we do in our little community will also be the most telling sign of our respect for Ken Norberg.
Msgr. PATRICK MICHAEL NOLAN
ANTON JOSEPH NIRSCHL
AL GRYBAS
Bill came to Sac State in 1975 just as he was finishing his doctorate at the University of Arizona. His mentor at Arizona was a giant in the discipline of special education, Samuel Kirk. Bill quickly became a special education leader on campus and within the community. With the support of the faculty, the programs in special education, rehabilitation counseling and bilingual education moved from the Department of Teacher Education into a new department, the Department of Special Services, in fall 1981; Bill became founding Chair of the Department, serving a key role in recruiting new faculty over the next years and building the programs and student body. Under Bill’s leadership, the Department grew in size and influence. He created many new special education preparation programs with partner school districts and county offices, including San Joaquin County, Solano County, and a consortium of districts and schools in the East Bay. Bill co-authored a federal grant in Education for Parents with Children with Special Education Needs and worked tirelessly to empower parents in their relationship with their children’s schools. Bill also revived the Bachelor of Arts in Vocational Education Program at Sacramento State—providing an opportunity for vocational teachers throughout Northern California to earn the B.A. The program proved a huge success. One of Bill’s final professional wishes was to see a graduate degree program in Workforce Development Advocacy; that program was approved by the campus in May 2006. While Bill always served as a leader in his field and on campus, he always remained a teacher. There was never a semester or a summer when he did not enthusiastically prepare to engage a new group of students. Simply, he was a beloved teacher and leader. Bill was named the Outstanding Teacher from the College of Education in 2004. The award was presented to him by Provost Brown; Bill’s partner, Fidel, and his son, Chris, were with him to accept the award. Memorial Service: You are invited to attend an event to acknowledge Bill who touched so many lives. The Celebration of Bill Harris will be held Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Sacramento State. Date: Saturday, December 9, 2006 If you are interested in participating in this event, please contact the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation & School Psychology 278-4081 or send an e-mail to the Department Chair, Dr. Bernice Bass de Martinez with Memorial for Bill in the subject line. Educator@csus.edu. We look forward to having you join the campus community honoring the legacy of Dr. William M. Harris. For those who wish to express their condolences, arrangements for establishing the William M. Harris Scholarship Fund are in process. Contributions should be made payable to the “University Foundation at Sacramento State”. Please note “In Memory of Dr. Bill Harris” on the check. Contributions may be mailed to Sacramento State, College of Education, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6079, in care of D. Santiago. CHARLES T. GREGORY Charles T. Gregory, Professor Emeritus of English at California State University, Sacramento, the originator of the campus's Film Studies Program, a strong supporter of student rights, a campus leader in the student protest movement of the late 1960's and 1970's, and a highly regarded specialist in twentieth-century British and American literature, died October 10. He was 70. Professor Gregory received his B.A. from Notre Dame and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Columbia University. After a four-year teaching stint at Indian State (Fort Wayne), he joined the English Department faculty at CSUS in 1966 and quickly developed a reputation as a popular teacher and outspoken critic of U.S. involvement in the war in southeast Asia. Former Department Chairperson Mark Hennelly said, ''Greg was a humanist in the best sense of the wordwidely read, tolerant, humane. He was an authentic gentleman and a truly generous and gentle man.'' Another colleague, Professor David Madden recalled that ''Greg was the first person in the English Department to welcome me. He always remained a mentor and friend, and I have been forever grateful.'' His friend and colleague, Professor Emeritus Charles E. Nelson, said, ''Greg loved sports and films.'' Nelson added that ''Greg's real passion in sports was basketball. He was point guard for his high school basketball team in Morristown, New Jersey and was a loyal fan of the Boston Celtics, especially during the Larry Bird-Kevin McHale era. When we talked about films, his insights would sometimes startle me because they were so original. He was simply a great guy and an excellent colleague, and I will really miss him.'' Besides his passion for sports and film, Professor Gregory was an avid, and extremely astute critic of theatre, a taste he acquired as a little boy from New Jersey, who was taken to Broadway plays by his mother and aunt, for which he was always grateful to them. His passion for theatre never waned, and he traveled to England and throughout the U.S to see current productions until shortly before his death. In the early 1970's, Professor Gregory coordinated the campus's Cultural Program Committee, which at that time was responsible for bringing well-known figures to speak on campus. He was particularly pleased to bring the renowned authority on mythology, Joseph Campbell, many of the leading poets of the time such as John Logan and Allen Ginsberg, as well as controversial musicians and politicians. He also sponsored critically-acclaimed European and Japanese films long before they were shown the local ''art'' theatre. Since 1990, Professor Gregory wrote and published an irreverent yet deeply knowledgeable and insightful newsletter on basketball entitled ''Gregorys Game''to which he often invited his son, Sean, and other good friends to contribute. It had numerous subscribers from throughout the U.S.including several professional sportswriters. In later years, he also enjoyed writing articles on historical issues and interesting local residents for the ''Boulevard Park Newsletter.'' Early in his academic career, Professor Gregory became a strong advocate of student rights and remained so until his retirement in 2003. Nelson remembered going to parties ''at Greg's house where you always knew there would be an interesting mix of faculty and students. You could join any small group of two or three and soon be involved in an exciting and sometimes heated discussion. The experience could be exhilarating.'' Though Professor Gregory was well known for his frank and sometimes blunt criticism during discussions of English Department and campus-wide issues, he was soft-spoken and renowned for his dry wit and keen intelligence. He was much admired by both students and faculty for his courage and honesty. When asked for a final comment about Professor Gregory, Nelson said, I think what Hamlet said about his late father very effectively describes what Greg meant to his family, colleagues and friends: 'He was a man. Take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.''' Charles Gregory is survived by his longtime partner, Professor Stephanie Tucker; his son Sean, daughter-in-law Pamela; and five grandchildren: Madeleine, Evan and Fiona Gregory, of Napa, and Gwendolyn and Lucas Thompson, of Sacramento. In accordance with Charles Gregory's wishes, his family plans no memorial service. Contributions in Professor Gregory's name can be made to the Western Service Workers Association (5040 Perry Ave., Sacramento 95820), whose causes he supported for over 20 years. ROBERT F. JARECKE Born June 4, 1923, in Patchogue, NY, and passed away at home September 16, 2006. Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years Mildred Carpenter of Waynesboro, VA, daughters Karen Murray and Sandra Jarecke, 4 grandsons and 4 great-grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Navy, 1943-46, as a Lt. J.G. Communications Officer aboard minesweepers in the Atlantic. A lifelong educator, he held bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Virginia and a Ed.D. from George Washington University. His many roles as an educator included teacher, principal, audio-visual director, Branch Chief with the U.S. Office of Education in Washington and Denver for the Media and Library Institutes Program, and Media Consultant for California Dept. of Education. He ended his career at CSUS as Director of the Media Center and as Professor of Broadcast Journalism. He was most proud of the fact that his students voted him their most outstanding teacher. An avid golfer and member of North Ridge CC for 36 years, he will be greatly missed by his community of friends. Services will be held at St. Mel's R.C. Church in Fair Oaks, CA, on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kaiser Hospice or a charity of your choice. Professor John van Gigch died on August 29, 2006 of complications resulting from cancer. He is survived by his wife Ann and daughter Monique de Santos who live in Sebastopol, California. Both John and Ann retired from the business school faculty in 1993 after a long and successful tenure at CSUS. They moved to Sebastopol where he continued to publish, doing most of his more recent work with internet publishing and writing articles on management topics. He is widely known for his academic achievements here and abroad, having published numerous articles and books during his long tenure at California State University, Sacramento in the field of behavioral management. Originally from Argentina, John transferred from a university there to Cal State Sacramento in the late '60s and stayed at the university continually amassing his published works and teaching. There will be no local memorial service except the private services for family members in Sebastopol. Friends and colleagues are encouraged to send sympathies to Ann van Gigch, 7392 Palm Ave., Sebastopol, CA 95472. Passed away on August 14, 2006 in Roseville, CA at the age of 81. Karl is a native of Santaquin, Utah and a current resident of Lincoln, CA for 6 years. He is survived by his wife of 56 yrs., Esther Openshaw, his daughter Marci (Kenny) and son James (Debbie) and three grandchildren Daniel, Amanda, and Jamie. Karl and Esther spent time in Boulder Colorado where he was Dean of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder. Karl was the first Dean of Education at Sacramento State University in 1967. Arrangements made by Neptune Society Neptune Society of No. Ca.
PATRICIA SONNTAG
BARBARA ANN SCHMIDT
Survived by: Sister Betsy Schmidt of Sacramento (by Maija-Liisa Young, Sacramento Bee; May 21, 2006) COL. EDWARD HEGNER
Dr. Mina Robbins of the Division of Nursing died March 15th after many years of declining health, due to heart disease. Mina came to Sacramento State in 1970 in Behavioral Sciences, after teaching briefly at American River Junior College. She joined the Nursing faculty in 1974. Her bachelor's in psychology was from U.C. Berkeley, and she held a master's and doctorate from U.C. Davis. Mina was a clinical psychologist and also a board-certified sex therapist. She was a founding fellow of AACS, the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists. She maintained an active program of research until her early retirement, on the FERP program, in 2000.In a day of great residual prudery, her Nursing 160 Human Sexuality class candidly and tastefully presented accurate information about sexual function, never judging lifestyle choices but instead providing results of current research. Human sexuality was a controversial topic in the 70s. Mina pioneered sex education, raising some eyebrows and creating a college generation of men and women who mirrored her wholesome and unalarmed view of the sexual side of humans. She sought to educate, never to shock.Nursing 160 was a large lecture course. For general education, it fulfilled one of the culture and diversity requirements at that time - courses intended to increase tolerance and encourage broader ways of thinking. In those pioneering times, Mina was creative and clever in her lectures and audiovisuals. She acquired a variety of explicit movies demonstrating sexual practices, again focusing on normality, not deviance. The feel of the class was healthy and optimistic. Occasionally in those early years, outside the large lecture hall, faculty and students not enrolled in the course would casually gather and have a peek at the film of the week, just to see what the fuss was all about.Mina established the two initial general education offerings of the Division of Nursing, human sexuality and an accompanying discussion leaders' group that provided peer facilitators for the sexuality group's small-group meetings. She later added a course on brain and gender-related differences. These large survey courses continue to counterbalance the faculty-intensive clinical courses, allowing the Division of Nursing to provide a very high faculty-student ratio within the client-care courses of the major.Mina was healthy and optimistic in her general lifeview, as well. She was consistently good-natured and not contentious in faculty groupings, although she did stand up for point of view, in that warm, husky, unusual voice of hers. She served for many years as one of the Faculty Senators from Nursing. In retrospect, getting that human sexuality course initially established and situated within a welcoming discipline, and respected throughout campus for its solid science and scholarship, against the backdrop of community reserve and conservatism, was the big challenge of her career. The occasional conflicts that arose thereafter must have seemed quite manageable, by comparison.Her funeral was on March 21st, attended by many family members, friends and colleagues. Her obituary in the newspaper stated, "Her children and grandchildren were her treasures;" few scholars can lay claim to such a sane center of their particular universes. The parting statement was, "Live justly, love tenderly and walk honorably with God." (Submitted by Suzanne Sutherland)
Harvey "HARV" ROLOFF
Harvey passed away at age 87 on March 20, 2006 of Alzheimers-related illness in Carlsbad, California. he was born April 5, 1918 in Lind, Washington. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he coached and taught for 42 years: 10 years at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon and 32 years at Sacramento State. A more complete obituary can be seen at: http://www.johnroloff.com/lyons_roloff-family/hjroloff_1918-2006.html The family suggests donations be made to the Harvey Roloff Memorial Scholarship Fund at Pacific University, c/o University Relations, Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, 503-352-2211 SIMA SPECTOR Sima Spector died , or rather was killed, in a car accident that took place on Tuesday, February 28. She had just completed a wonderful evening attending the opera Turandot with friends. Sima was not a member of the CSUS faculty, but was the widow of Sol, who died in 2004. The accident happened at a place familiar to all of us—the intersection of Watt and Fair Oaks. As dean of what was at that time the School of Social Work, I hired Sol to join the faculty of our new program in 1968. PERRY WEDDLE Born September 29, 1939, died January 2, 2006 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife Mary Weddle. A native of San Francisco, Perry pursued a long and distinguished career in academia. After obtaining his BA at San Jose State University and his MA and Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska, he joined the faculty at California State University, Sacramento, where he taught in the Department of Philosophy for 30 years until his retirement in 1995. No services are planned. Remembrances would be welcomed by Doctors Without Borders, Loaves and Fishes or Sutter Hospice. ROBERT LIVEZEY
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Entered into rest on Dec. 7, 2006 in Sacramento, CA at the age of 82. Msgr. Patrick Michael Nolan was born Sept. 10, 1924 in County Galway, Ireland, to Daniel Nolan and Kate (Clancy) Nolan. After studies for the priesthood at the Irish Missionary All Hallows College in Dublin, Ireland, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 18, 1950 at All Hallows for service in the Diocese of Sacramento. He served as associate pastor at St. Bernard Parish in Eureka from 1950 to 1953, St. Patrick Parish in Sonora from 1953 to 1954, and St. Joseph Parish in Redding from 1954 and 1957. He was chaplain to Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento from 1957 to 1963. During that time he also served as chaplain to the Newman Clubs at Sacramento State University and American River College, and as director of the Pre-Cana and Cana programs. From 1963 to 1968, he served as secretary to Bishop Alden J. Bell and secretary of the Marriage Tribunal. He was elevated to papal chamberlain on July 21, 1965 by Pope Paul VI and named a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness by Pope Paul VI on Jan. 21, 1977. He served as director of Catholic Cemeteries for the diocese from 1963 to 1975 and then again from 1994 to 1998, bringing a personal touch to the ministry to the grieving and the bereaved and carefully guiding the expansion of the region's Catholic Cemeteries. He served as pastor of Presentation Parish in Sacramento from 1968 to 1974. In 1974, he worked for Catholic Community Services in San Diego while earning a master's degree in counseling from San Diego State University. During his time in San Diego, he became involved in Marriage Encounter, a movement that would have a profound effect on his life and priesthood. Upon his return to Sacramento, he served as director of Catholic Social Service from 1975 to 1979 and continued to give Marriage Encounter weekends. He served as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Placerville from July 1979 to March 1983 and as pastor of St. Philomene Parish in Sacramento from March 1983 to July 4, 1994, when he retired and was named pastor emeritus of St. Philomene Parish. He continued to stay active in his retirement, celebrating pro-life Masses and healing Masses at St. Philomene Parish, and serving as chaplain to the Knights of Columbus and to the Serra Club of Sacramento. He served as parochial administrator (temporary) of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento in 1999-2000. During his service in the diocese, he also was a member of the Council of Priests, the permanent diaconate board and the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission. The family is grateful to Rosanna Blevins, who gave him such compassionate care over the course of his illness. He is survived by sister-in-law, Nell Nolan; nieces, Mary, Kathleen, and Teresa; nephews, Liam and Michael; grand-niece, Shauna; grand-nephews, Brian, David and Kristan and extended family and friends. Visitation will be on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1pm-7pm and Sunday, Dec 10 from 1pm-7pmat Lombard and Company, 1550 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento. A vigil will be celebrated on Monday, Dec. 11 at 7pm and a funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 11am, both at St. Philomene Church, 2428 Bell St. in Sacramento. Interment to follow the funeral Mass at Calvary Cemetery. A reception for the public will be held at St. Philomene Parish following the interment.
In Carmichael Nov. 16, 2006. Born April 21, 1920 in Kansas City, KS. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen E. Nirschl. Loving father of David A. Nirschl with wife, Susan, and the late Lawrence J. and Leslie J. Nirschl. Devoted grandfather of Eric A. Hogner and great-grandfather of Cody, Dakota and Erica Hogner. Also survived by four brothers and two sisters, Herman, Francis, Phillip, Farrel Nirschl, Mary Babler, and Peggy Ross. Anton was very active in the Knights of Columbus Council in Livermore, CA as their first Grand Knight and Council 953 in Sacramento eventually becoming a 4th Degree Knight. He worked at CSUS and progressed to Assistant to the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science in 1976. He received an AA and Bachelor's Degree from CSUS and instructed in the Engineering Department. He helped develop an artificial heart valve with Doctors and Sutter Memorial Hospital, making many of the parts in his home workshop. Coincidentally, his wife Kathleen had one of these valves in her heart for over 20 years. He worked with the National Science Foundation in the development of the nuclear non-destructive lab. From his hobby of woodcarving he was able to donate over 80 birds from his collection to the Hanna Boys School in Sonoma. Friends are invited to a Rosary Tuesday, November, 21, at 7:00 P.M. at Lombard & Company Funeral Directors, 1550 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825, (916) 483-3297 and A Mass of Christian Burial one week later on November 28, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel at Calvary Cemetery, 7101 Verner Ave., Sacramento, CA.
Born in Detroit, Michigan on September 14, 1926. Died on November 14, 2006. A memorial service will be held on the Neptune Society's Funeral Yacht, the NAIAD (the yacht is named after the mythological Greek goddess, the protector of life in waters). The dispersal of his remains will be outside the Golden Gate Bridge at Point Bonita. Both of Al's parents were born in Lithuania. Al served in the Navy during WWII, and earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Michigan. He completed his Ph.D. degree at Ohio State University and was a professor in the Communication Studies Department at California State University, Sacramento, for thirty-one years. During this time, he helped establish a chapter of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, on campus and was its advisor. Dr. Grybas also helped establish the University of Michigan Alumni Club of the Greater Sacramento Valley and served as its president for a term. He was also a member of the Ohio State University Alumni Club of Sacramento, and a member of S.I.R.S. #67. Al is survived by his beloved wife Maxine (Klingensmith). Together they traveled extensively at home and abroad. Al's passion in life was sailing on either fresh or salt water. He sailed in the Ericson 27' Regional and National Championship in San Francisco Bay. Together they kept their Ericson 32' sloop, Starshine, in the Berkeley Marina and were members of the Berkeley Yacht Club. Al is survived by his beloved daughter and grandson, Claudia and Christopher Tucker. His previous wife, Barbara Jane Casey, died of cancer in 1978. He is also survived by six nephews and nieces, the children of his only brother, Cy, along with their ten children. Al leaves behind his six stepchildren and their families: Dana Newell of Gold River, Keri Mistler of Dixon, David Klingensmith of Fair Oaks, Richard of El Dorado Hills, Jon of Yuba City, and Steve of Dixon. In addition, there are nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, all of whom were loved deeply by Al. Al wrote his own epitaph: "Here lies Al, 'neath the waves, enjoyed life, naught but raves." The family gives its sincere appreciation to Dr. Kotak and Dr. Zawilla of Kaiser Permanente, as well as Kaiser Permanente Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that remembrances be made to Kaiser Permanente Hospice Care, located at 2025 Morse Avenue, Sacramento, California 95825, or to the American Heart Association. 
Dr. William Mateer Harris, 64, passed away at his home in Grass Valley on Sunday, October 29, 2006 after a long illness. Bill retired from Sacramento State in 2004 as Professor and Chair in the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and School Psychology. Bill is survived by his loving partner, Fidel Baccalon; his son, Chris; his two sisters, Sally and Cynthia, and his father, Bill; he was predeceased by his son William, III and his mother, Dorothy.
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend. An engineer, educator, researcher, builder, hiker, skier, outdoorsman and world traveler with a special love for Paris, gourmet food and fine wine. His friends remember him for his dry wit and unfailing humor. During his 32 year career as professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at California State University, Sacramento he was an inspiration to many for his unique sense of fairness of justice. Before working at CSUS he served as chief engineer in a large air conditioning company. He was also one of the principals involved in the research and development of an artificial ball heart valve. He is survived by Margo, his loving wife of 57 years; daughter (Leah) Lynn, son-in-law Gary;granddaughter Jennifer, and numerous relatives. Remembrances may be made to: Doctors without Borders, or Loaves and Fishes. He lives on in our memories.
Born Nov. 16, 1943, she died at home on June 2, 2006. She is survived by her beloved daughter and best friend Rachael Sonntag-Bloom, her two sisters, Kathi Sonntag and Peg Bettcher, the father of her daughter, Gene Bloom, and her constant companion-dog Winston O'Mally Churchill. Born in Washington D.C., political activism was always one of Patricia's greatest passions, with an ongoing lifetime commitment to helping others personally, professionally, and through the process of political change. In her 31-year career as the Director of Disabled Student Services at California State University, Sacramento, she was known as a fierce advocate for the disabled, particularly on issues of accessibility and equal rights. She loved following local and national politics, having long political discussions with her daughter or enjoying a late night or two watching reruns of her favorite program, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. She was an avid reader, particularly of the murder-mystery genre, loved music, going to the opera and watching independent films. One passion rediscovered in her later life included water exercise at the local YMCA. Patti brought smiles to many faces with her quirky sense of humor and generosity. She was a gifted genealogist and tenacious researcher, whether it was finding every possible treatment for a bee sting or finding an obscure book at the library for one of her university students. Above all, she was an amazing mother, who never settled for less than the best for those she loved. She will be missed by all of those who had the good fortune to have met her: family, friends, colleagues and students, whose lives she influenced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, the Diabetes Foundation, or the California Disability Action Network. 
As a child, Barbara Ann Schmidt, a professor emeritus at California State University, Sacramento, wrote stories for her younger sister and pored over novels. She grew up to become an advocate for literacy. She educated students and teachers, wrote textbooks and children's books, and spoke at conferences on the importance of having young people read. "She's influenced and had an effect on a lot of people -- children, students, student teachers and teachers," said Maurice Poe, friend and CSUS professor. "She has been, and will be, recognized as one of the top leaders in the field of literacy education in California and the nation."Barbara was always fashionably attired -- usually in her favorite color, purple -- lost a three-year battle with ovarian cancer May 14. She was 71."She had so much energy and enthusiasm for anything she did -- traveling, writing, teaching or theater," said sister Betsy Schmidt. Friend Frank Porter, superintendent of Rio Linda Union School District, said, "Barbara was an inspiring human being. She was filled with mission and with her work. She was full of life. She inspired a lot of people to education and to pursue the teaching craft."A native of Pittsburgh, Barbara was the oldest of two daughters born to Herbert and Dorothy Schmidt. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Pittsburgh. She taught at the university's Falk Laboratory School while working on her master's degree. Barbara taught for a few years before earning a doctorate in psycholinguistics from University of California, Berkeley, in 1974. She taught at CSUS from 1972 to 1999 in the College of Education. During her tenure, she helped create a teacher training partnership among the university and many area school districts.Among other things, she partnered with Poe in 1984 to create a TV program, "Helping Writing Happen," broadcast for teachers throughout the state. They also co-wrote several humorous children's poetry books about "Willie MacGurkle" and would dress up as characters from the books for classes and speaking engagements. Poe was the title character and Barbara dressed up as "Frannie LaDoo," donning a wig, blue tennis shoes, yellow blouse with blue polka dots and a boa. "She lived through that character of Frannie LaDoo to bring together the seriousness of teaching and literacy," Poe said.Barbara, who was an advocate of teachers and well known in speaking circuits, had a magnetic personality that just drew people in, said friend Marilyn Buckley. "She could get you so excited in reminding you why you got involved in teaching," she said. Barbara believed educators had a moral obligation to teach children to read, recalled friend Jo Gusman. "I remember her telling me, 'Teaching kids to read was the key to social justice,' " Gusman said.Barbara also wrote textbooks and teaching manuals for publisher D.C. Heath. She created a document that provided reading instruction, curriculum and practice for the state Department of Education. She served as president of the California Reading Association and Sacramento Area Reading Association, was elected to the state association's hall of fame and received the International Reading Association's Leadership in Literacy Award."We all in life should have a friend like Barbara," Gusman said. "If all of us did, our life would be so rich."
For many years, Col. Edward Hegner served with distinction as a versatile and valued member of the part-time faculty in the Department of Management. He brought the benefit of his considerable intelligence plus insights gained and lessons learned from more than two decades of military service in peace and war as a rated officer in the Strategic Air Command. Col. Hegner will be sorely missed, both as an esteemed professional colleague and as a close personal friend. Col. Hegner died March 18, 2006, just three days after the passing of Carol, his wife of 55 years.
In Sacramento, on December 27, 2005. Beloved husband of Rose Mary Clemons for 62 years; loving father of Michael and wife Diane Clemons, Judith Clemons, Patrick Clemons, Timothy and wife Allison Clemons, Suzanne and husband Dennis DeCoite, Daniel and wife Rose Clemons, Marianne and husband Marvin Meek, and Joann and husband Mark Chassman; cherished grandfather of Brian, Matt, Sarah, Samuel, Patrice, Emily, Lindsey, Chandler, Daniel, David, James, Andrew, Paul, Joseph, Michael, Devon, Lindsey, Alyssa, Tanner, and Emma; great grandfather of Darren DeCoite; brother of the late Cecilia Howard, Charles Clemons, and Mary Dorcey; loving brother in-law of Harry and Patricia DeClereq, and Lois DeClereq. Survived by many loving nephews and nieces. A native of California and a 57-year resident of Sacramento; age 84 years. Friends are welcome for visitation at W. F. GORMLEY & SONS CHAPEL, 2015 Capitol Avenue, December 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and are invited to attend a Rosary Service at St. Mary's Church, 1333 58th St., Sacramento, CA, Friday, December 30th, at 7:00 p.m. Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be offered for the repose of his soul at St. Mary's Church, Saturday, December 31st at 10:00 a.m. Private interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Brothers High School "La Salle Club", 4315 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820, or to Loaves & Fishes P.O. Box 2161 Sacramento, CA 95812-2161, or to the charity of your choice. 
On our campus some may remember Harvey as a part-time instructor for golf. But earlier in his 32-year career of teaching and coaching at Sac State, his track teams were 67 of 89, earning three conference championships, and his cross country teams earned 8 of 11 conference championships. Honors included Track and Field National Association; NAIA District 2 Hall of Fame, both as a player and coach; Golden West Track and Field Hall of Fame; and Pacific University Athletics Hall of Fame.
While at a conference in Costa Rica in the 1960s, biologist Robert Livezey became so fascinated with the country's herpetology that in retirement, the university professor went back to catalog and research the native frogs.Mr. Livezey and his wife spent years there tracking, photographing and cataloging more than 160 native frogs and toads.Mr. Livezey, professor emeritus of biological sciences at California State University, Sacramento, died Dec. 10 from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 85.At the time of his death, he lived at Eskaton Manzanita in Carmichael.Mr. Livezey, a quiet man with a gruff exterior that could hide his big heart, shared his love of nature with his family, his children said. "He was particularly in love with the ecology of the planet," said his son, Lee Livezey, in an e-mail. "He raised us listening to the premise that humanity's destruction of the ecosystem might well come back and bite humankind."Early in his teaching career, Mr. Livezey was a naturalist at Camp Sacramento, a campground near Lake Tahoe, and the family would join him on nature tours hearing about the flora, fauna and forest floor, recalled his daughter, Beth Conti. "When he went outside, he saw everything," she said. "That's a real gift." He also shared his love of science with his children. When his children were younger, he set up a telescope in the backyard and taught them astronomy.A Stockton native, Mr. Livezey earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in science from Oregon State University. He went on to earn his doctorate from Cornell University. It was at Cornell that he met his wife, the former Anne Lewis, who was working on her master's degree in early childhood education.After teaching stints at Sam Houston State University in Texas and the University of Notre Dame, Mr. Livezey began teaching biology at Sacramento State in 1954. "He was interested in the quality of his courses and educating his students ... teaching his students how to think," recalled friend Martin Brittan who also taught in the CSUS biology department. He credited Mr. Livezey with expanding the department's herpetology collection.After retiring in 1976, Mr. Livezey and his wife moved to Fort Bragg. Mr. Livezey's students helped build their house, his children recalled.For eight years, the couple spent half a year in Costa Rica, researching native frogs and toads. Some of the amphibians he documented are now extinct. He was one of the last to see the golden toad of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Some of Mr. Livezey's research eventually went to the University of Costa Rica in San Jose, where he volunteered as a guest herpetologist and curator.After the research was completed, Mr. Livezey and his wife lived in Tucson, Ariz., and the foothills near Placerville before settling at a senior community in Little River, just outside Mendocino. His wife died in 2002.
Norbert J. Mietus, a retired professor of business law whose infectious enthusiasm and interest in both the subject and his students made a lasting impact, died Tuesday at the age of 87. Mr. Mietus, who had a history of heart problems, died a day after collapsing at his residence, said his son, Alan Mietus.He taught thousands of students during three decades as a professor at California State University, Sacramento, a tenure that included a stint as dean of its business school. He was co-author of five textbooks, including "Applied Business Law," which has sold more 2 million copies and is still used in college classrooms, his son said. "It's now in either the 19th or 20th edition," his son said.Mr. Mietus was remembered Friday as someone who, in the words of longtime friend Louis Desmond, "always made you feel like you were the greatest guy in the world." On the CSUS campus, he was known as a teacher who made himself accessible and brought the real world into the classroom. One former student, Julius "Joe" Cherry, now chief of the Sacramento Fire Department, called him an eloquent professor whose "classes were mesmerizing." It wasn't unusual for 20 students to remain for a half hour or more, talking and asking questions, he said. "He made you believe you could do or be anything you wanted. All you had to do was apply yourself. And he said, 'I'm willing to help you.' He was extremely supportive and encouraging."Born in Milwaukee, one of six children, Mr. Mietus earned an undergraduate degree from Marquette University and a master's in business administration from Harvard University. By that time, the United States had entered World War II, and like many of his classmates, Mr. Mietus went into the Navy. He served in the Pacific aboard minesweepers, ending the war as skipper of the USS Embattle.He then was assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai, where he met his future wife, Josette Chaudoin, a French citizen who with her family lived in China. Once he met Josette, the tenacious and determined Mr. Mietus set his sights on marriage and postponed his return home. "I don't know how he did it," Desmond said, "but he somehow rerigged his orders so he could stay long enough to seal the deal. That's a great love story."In 1947 he returned to the United States, got a job directing the night school at Loyola University in Los Angeles, and sent for Josette. They were married July 12, 1947. Two years later he became part of the first class at UCLA School of Law, graduating and winning admission to the bar in 1952. He practiced law before moving his family to Sacramento in 1956.Survived by: Wife, Josette Chaudoin Mietus of Sacramento; sons, Christopher Mietus of Camano Island, Wash., and Alan Mietus of Sacramento; daughter, Michele Snyder of San Francisco; brother, Edmund Mietus of Laguna Hills; seven grandchildren
© March 2005- December 2010
Sacramento State Retired Faculty & Staff Association